Compound sanitary napkin

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to a compound sanitary napkin. The compound sanitary napkin includes a primary absorbent member secured to a secondary absorbent member. The primary absorbent member includes an absorbent core wrapped in an outer cover, at least a portion of the outer cover being liquid impervious. The secondary absorbent member includes a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent material joined thereto. Optionally, the secondary absorbent member includes a backsheet, a topsheet joined to the backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disposable sanitary napkins. As usedherein, sanitary napkins are, considered to be absorbent devicesdesigned to be worn externally of the body by women, usually duringtheir menstrual periods, and to receive and contain menses and othervaginal discharges. Disposable sanitary napkins are intended to bediscarded after use and soiling rather than being cleaned and reused.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In their simplest form, disposable sanitary napkins comprise anabsorbent element (sometimes referred to as an absorbent core)interposed between a liquid pervious body-contacting element (sometimesreferred to as a topsheet or an overwrap) and a liquid imperviousprotective barrier (sometimes referred to as a backsheet). The absorbentelement is intended to receive and contain menses and other vaginaldischarges. The body-contacting element is intended to provide more orless comfortable and dry-feeling contact with body surfaces whileallowing free passage of fluids therethrough into the absorbent element.The protective barrier is intended to prevent menses or other vaginaldischarges which are expelled or which escape from the absorbent elementfrom soiling the users garments.

In addition to the three functional elements mentioned above, disposablesanitary napkins are generally provided with means for supporting thedevice adjacent the users crotch area, even as the user moves, where itcan most effectively perform its intended function. Typically, sanitarynapkins are provided with an adhesive attachment means for securing thedevice to the inner crotch area of the users undergarments.

While previously known sanitary napkins do perform their intendedfunction, each conventional design suffers from certain deficiencies inone or more of absorbency of body fluids, protection of the user'sgarments from soiling, and/or physical comfort to the user.

With respect to disposable sanitary napkins, at least two generalclasses presently exist. One such class is identified as being intendedfor the absorption of medium to high menstrual flows. These sanitarynapkins offer a relatively high absorptive capacity. Absorptive capacityis commonly achieved by providing the sanitary napkin with a relativelythick and bulky absorbent member. While having a relatively highabsorptive capacity, the bulkiness of the absorbent member may cause acertain degree of wearing discomfort.

A second class of sanitary napkins are intended for light or lowmenstrual flows and are commonly referred to as pantiliners orpantishields. Sanitary napkins of this class, as a group, are thinner,somewhat more flexible and generally more comfortable than those of thefirst class. However, sanitary napkins of the second class typicallylack the absorptive capacity of sanitary napkins of the first class.

One attempt to provide the benefits of the previously described twoclasses of sanitary napkins into a single compound sanitary napkin isdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,130 issued toDesMarais on Jan. 10, 1984. The compound sanitary napkin of DesMaraiscomprises a primary menstrual pad and a panty protector joined to oneanother at their corresponding ends in such a manner that the twoconstituents are free to move relative to one another along essentiallytheir entire common length. The primary menstrual pad is intended toabsorb the bulk of the bodily fluids discharged by the user, while thepanty protector is intended to protect the user's garments from soiling.In use, the relative freedom of movement between the primary menstrualpad and the panty protector serves to maintain the primary menstrual padadjacent the user's crotch region while the panty protector remainsassociated with the user's undergarment. While the relative freedom ofmovement between the primary menstrual pad and the panty protectorserves to maintain the primary menstrual pad near the user's crotchregion, this freedom of movement may lead to a lack of stability if theprimary menstrual pad moves laterally beyond the side edges of the pantyprotector, providing an opportunity for soiling the user's undergarment.

Furthermore, the relative freedom of movement between the primarymenstrual pad and the panty protector alone may be insufficient tocapture bodily fluid as it exits the wearer's vaginal opening. Theprimary menstrual pad is preferably narrow enough to at least residepartially within the external genitalia. Optionally, the primarymenstrual pad may be wider than the distance between the labia majora,but exhibits a lateral compression or conformability at relatively lowforces, such as the forces exerted by the soft tissue of the femaleexternal genitalia, such that a portion of the primary menstrual pad isable to at least reside partially within the external female genitalia.By being conformable at relatively low forces, the primary absorbentmember remains comfortable during use. In addition, the primarymenstrual pad preferably exhibits a resilient recovery to enable the padto conform to the body as the pad and body interface is subjected toshape changes.

As the primary menstrual pad is made narrower to fit the body, the pantyprotector preferably remains sufficiently wide enough to provide astable attachment to the wearer's undergarment and to sufficiently coverthe undergarment to protect it from soiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a compound sanitary napkin. Thecompound sanitary napkin comprises a primary absorbent member includingan absorbent core wrapped in an outer covering, at least a portion ofthe outer covering being liquid impervious. The compound sanitary napkinfurther comprises a secondary absorbent member that is secured to theprimary absorbent member. The secondary absorbent member comprises aliquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent material joined thereto.Optionally, the secondary absorbent member comprises a backsheet, atopsheet joined to the backsheet and an absorbent core disposed betweenthe backsheet and the topsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription in conjunction with the following drawings, in which likereference numbers identify identical elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the compound sanitarynapkin of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the compound sanitary napkin shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the compound sanitary napkin shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 as taken along section line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one alternative embodiment of thecompound sanitary napkin of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment ofthe compound sanitary napkin of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodimentof the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is of a body fitting compound sanitary napkin whichexhibits absorbency for bodily fluids, the protection of the user'sgarments from soiling, and physical comfort to the user. The term"sanitary napkin", as used herein, refers to an article which is worn byfemales adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorband contain the various exudates which are discharged from the body(e.g., blood, menses, and urine) and which is intended to be discardedafter a single use (i.e., it is not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused). The term "compound sanitary napkin", asused herein, refers to a sanitary napkin comprised of separateconstituents joined to one another to form a unitary structure.Interlabial devices which reside partially within and partially externalof the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention.As used herein, the term "pudendal" refers to the externally visiblefemale genitalia and is limited to the labia majora, the labia minora,the clitoris, and the vestibule.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown one preferred embodiment of acompound sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. As can be seen inFIGS. 1-3, the compound sanitary napkin 20 comprises a primary absorbentmember 30 and a secondary absorbent member 50 joined together by unionmeans 70. The compound sanitary napkin has two surfaces, a bodycontacting or facing surface, and a garment facing or contactingsurface. The primary and secondary absorbent members each havecorresponding body facing and garment facing surfaces. The compoundsanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline L anda transverse centerline T. The term "longitudinal", as use herein,refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the compoundsanitary napkin that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximatelyparallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into leftand fight body halves when the compound sanitary napkin is worn. Theterms "transverse" or "lateral", as used herein, are interchangeable,and refer, to a line, axis, or direction which lies within the plane ofthe compound sanitary napkin that is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction.

The primary absorbent member 30 has side edges 24 and end edges 25 whichtogether form the periphery 26 of the primary absorbent member 30. Thesecondary absorbent member 50 has side edges 21 and end edges 22 whichtogether form the periphery 23 of the secondary absorbent member and thecompound sanitary napkin 20. The compound sanitary napkin 20 has a firstend region 27, a central region 28, and a second end region 29.

The primary absorbent member 30 is that constituent of the compoundsanitary napkin 20 intended to absorb the bulk of bodily fluidsdischarged by the user. The primary absorbent member 30 has a centerline200, as shown in FIG. 3 that divides the primary absorbent member 30into an upper portion 202 and a lower portion 204. The primary absorbentmember 30 comprises an absorbent means 33, such as absorbent core 34,and an outer cover 32 superimposed on the absorbent core 34. (As usedherein, the term "superimposed" means adjacent or juxtaposed, but notnecessarily in contact with or joined to.) The outer cover 32 preferablycomprises a first segment 206 disposed in the upper portion 202 and atleast one second segment 208 disposed in the lower portion 204. Thefirst segment 206 is liquid pervious whereas at least a portion of thesecond segment 208 is preferably liquid impervious. Preferably, theentire second segment 208 disposed in the lower portion 204 is liquidimpervious. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the secondsegment 208 is hydrophobic and not necessarily liquid impervious.

Preferably, at least the first segment 206 of the outer cover 32 iscompliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.Further, as stated above, at least the first segment of the outer cover32 is liquid pervious, permitting liquid to readily penetrate throughits thickness. A suitable outer cover 32 may be manufactured from a widerange of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymericmaterials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, aperturedplastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams;reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplasticscrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised ofnatural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g.,polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylenefibers); or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

The outer cover 32 may be a unitary member or may be comprised of two ormore elements joined together to form the outer cover 32. Further, theany portion of the materials comprising the outer cover may be coated,laminated, treated or otherwise manipulated to impart or enhance anydesired characteristics such as strength, flexibility, liquidperviousness or imperviousness.

A preferred outer cover 32 comprises formed film having apertures in atleast the first segment 206. Formed films are preferred for the outercover 32 because they are resistant to wicking and are easilymanufactured having portions with apertures and portions withoutapertures. The apertured segments of a formed film are generallypervious to body exudates and yet non-absorbent, thus reducing thelikelihood of liquids passing back through the film and rewetting thewearer's skin. Accordingly, the surface of the formed film which is incontact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling andcreating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. The non-aperturedsegments of the formed films are liquid impervious, thus preventing anyfluids from passing therethrough. Suitable formed films are described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat.No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane, et al. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.4,342,314, issued to Radel, et al. on Aug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.4,463,045, issued to Ahr, et al. on Jul. 31, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No.5,006,394, issued to Baird on Apr. 9, 1991. Each of these patents areincorporated herein by reference. One especially preferred outer cover32 for the primary absorbent member 30 of the present inventioncomprises a formed film described in one or more of the above patentsand marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company ofCincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE".

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exposed surfaceof at least the first segment 206 of the outer cover 32 comprising theformed film is hydrophilic so as to help liquid transfer through theouter cover 32 faster than if the body surface was not hydrophilic. Thisdiminishes the likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow off the firstsegment 206 of the outer cover 32 rather than flowing into and beingabsorbed by the absorbent core 34. In a preferred embodiment, surfactantis incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film such asis described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/072,660, entitled"Absorbent Article Having a Nonwoven and Apertured Film Coversheet"filed on Jun. 4, 1993 by Aziz, et al., which is incorporated herein byreference. Alternatively, a surfactant may be incorporated within thepolymer resin forming the outer cover 32 or the body surface of thefirst segment 206 of the outer cover 32 can be made hydrophilic bytreating it with a surfactant such as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,950,264 issued to Osborn on Aug. 21, 1990 and which is incorporatedherein by reference.

As stated above, the outer cover 32 is preferably superimposed on theabsorbent core 34. To insure proper fluid transfer between the outercover 32 and the absorbent core 34 it is preferred that the outer coverbe substantially continuously joined to the underlying absorbent core 34throughout their common association or interface. (As used herein, theterm "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an element is directlysecured to another element by affixing the element to the other element,as well as configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to an intermediate member ormembers which in turn are affixed to the other element.) Bysubstantially continuously joining the outer cover 32 to the underlyingabsorbent core 34 the outer cover 32 will have a reduced tendency toseparate from the absorbent core 34 during use. Separation of theabsorbent core from the outer cover 32 may inhibit fluid transfer fromthe outer cover 32 into the underlying absorbent core 34. The outercover 32 may be joined to the absorbent core 34 by any suitable means,including, but not limited to joining the outer cover 32 with theabsorbent core 34 with adhesives such as by spray-gluing or applyinglines or spots of adhesives between the outer cover 32 and the absorbentcore 34. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer cover 32 may bejoined with the absorbent core 34 simply by wrapping the outer cover 32about the absorbent core 34, by entangling the fibers of the absorbentcore 34 with the outer cover 32, by fusing the outer cover 32 to theabsorbent core 34 with a plurality of discrete individual fusion bonds,or by any other means known in the art.

The absorbent core 34 may be any absorbent means which is generallycompressible, conformable, resilient, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin and capable of absorbing and containing body exudates. The totalabsorbent capacity of the absorbent core 34 should be compatible withthe intended exudate loading for the primary absorbent member 30 of thecompound sanitary napkin 20. Further, the absorbent capacity of theabsorbent core 34 may be varied to accommodate wearers ranging in theexpected amount of exudate fluid volume. For instance, a differentabsorbent capacity may be utilized for compound sanitary napkinsintended for day time use as compared with those intended for night timeuse, or for compound sanitary napkins intended for use by teenagefemales as compared with those intended by more mature women.

The absorbent core 34 may be manufactured from a wide variety of liquidabsorbent materials commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins, andother disposable absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbentmaterials include comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred toas airfelt; creped cellulose wadding, modified cross-linked cellulosefibers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,445 issued toYoung, et al. on Jun. 8, 1993; capillary channel fibers (fibers havingintrafiber capillary channels such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.5,200,248 issued to Thompson, et al. on Apr. 6, 1993); absorbent foamssuch as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345, issued to DesMarais,et al. on Nov. 9, 1993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,244 issued to DesMarais,et al. on Dec. 7, 1993); thermally bonded airlay materials such as thosematerial described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/141,156,entitled "Catamenial Absorbent Structures Having Thermally as BondedLayers For Improved Handling of Menstrual Fluids and Their Use InCatamenial Pads Having Improved Fit and Comfort" filed in the name ofRichards, et al. on Oct. 21, 1993 (P&G Case 5051); absorbent sponges;synthetic staple fibers; polymeric fibers; hydrogel-forming polymergelling agents; peat moss; or any equivalent materials or combinationsof materials. All of the above-identified Patents and patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Suitable absorbent cores comprising foams are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,260,345 issued Nov. 9, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345 issued Sep. 15,1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,720 issued Sep. 22, 1992. The first andthird patents listed in the names of DesMarais, et al., and the secondpatent issued in the name of Young, et al. Additional cores comprisingfoams are described in European Application 0 293 208 B1. Absorbentcores comprising sponges are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,512,530; and3,954,493; and French Patent 2,203,827. Examples of alternative suitableabsorbent cores are described in detail in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/277,733 (P&G Case 5395). All of theabove-identified references are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Materials selected for use as the absorbent core 34 are preferablycompliant, soft, comfortable, compressible and resilient to enhance bodyfit and comfort of the primary absorbent member 30. Preferably, theabsorbent core 34 is compressible such that the primary absorbent member30 will deform under relatively small forces that are experienced duringnormal use. In addition to being compressible, the materials comprisingthe absorbent core are preferably conformable such that the primaryabsorbent member 30 is able to provide improved fit into and around thelabia and perineum. While being generally compressible and conformableunder relatively small forces, those forces exerted by the externalfemale genitalia during use, it is also important that the primaryabsorbent member 30 be sufficiently resilient such that when subjectedto normal wearing forces it does not permanently collapse. Preferably,the primary absorbent member 30 will be sufficiently resilient that itwill conform to the contours of the body to provide intimate contactwith the exposed genitalia of the female user. Intimate contact with theexposed female genitalia helps provide better fluid transfer from theuser into the primary absorbent member 30 without allowing fluid tobypass and/or run-off the primary absorbent member 30. While theresilient characteristics of the absorbent core 34 allow for improvedfit, they must be balanced against the need for the product to be bothsoft and comfortable for the wearer. Although the core 34 shown in FIG.3 has a generally circular cross-section, the absorbent core may bemanufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular,triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-folded, etc.

The primary absorbent member 30 may further comprise a resilient member45 as is illustrated in FIG. 4. The resilient member 45 may comprise asingle member or a plurality of individual members. Suitable materialswhich may be used as the resilient member 45 include, but are notlimited to, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester,synthetic rubber, and other synthetic materials such as formed films, ornatural materials such as rubber, sponges, and the like or any suitablematerial which is capable of resisting collapse under normal wearingconditions of sanitary napkins during use. The resilient member 45 maybe manufactured in a wide variety of shapes such as rectangular,triangular, oval, square, pentagonal, U-shaped, Z-folded or any othershape as is known in the art.

The resilient member 45 may extend throughout the entire length of theprimary absorbent member 30. The resilient member 45 may only extendthrough a portion of the length of the primary absorbent member 30. Theresilient member 45 may be positioned within the first end region 27,the central region 28, the second end region 29 or any combination ofthe above. For example, the resilient member 45 may be positioned ineither the first end region 27 or the second end region 29 of theprimary absorbent member 30, in both the first end region 27 and thesecond end region 29 of the primary absorbent member 30, in the centralregion 28 of the primary absorbent member 30, or in the central region28 and the end regions 27 and 29 of the primary absorbent member 30. Theresiliency of the resilient member 45 is preferably not affected by thepresence of body exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbentcore. The sustained resiliency of the resilient member 45 permits theprimary absorbent member 30 to maintain intimate contact with the bodyof the wearer during use. The primary absorbent member 30 may include aresilient member 45 similar to the internal shaping component disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/225,441, (P&G Case 5109R),entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having an Internal Shaping Component", filedApr. 8, 1994, in the name of Carl L. Bergman; 08/225,405, (P&G Case5104R), entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having a Pleated Lifting Member",filed Apr. 8, 1994, in the name of Ronald R. McFall; and 08/255,191,(P&G Case 5208), entitled "Sanitary Napkin Having an IndependentlyDisplaceable Central Core Segment", filed Apr. 8, 1994, in the names ofRonald R. McFall et al. The disclosure of the above referencedapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

The primary absorbent member 30 may comprise an acquisition layer 46, asshown in FIG. 4, positioned between the outer cover 32 and the absorbentcore 34. The acquisition layer 46 may serve several functions includingimproving wicking of exudates over and into the absorbent core 34. Byimproving the wicking of exudates, the acquisition layer 46 provides amore even distribution of the exudates throughout the absorbent core 34.The acquisition layer 46 may be comprised of several different materialsincluding nonwoven or woven webs of synthetic fibers includingpolyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene; natural fibers includingcotton or cellulose; blends of such fibers; or any equivalent materialsor combinations of materials. Examples of sanitary napkins having anacquisition layer are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264issued to Osborn and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/944,764,"Absorbent Article Having Fused Layers", filed Oct. 7, 1992 in the namesof Cree, et al. Each of these references is incorporated herein byreference. In a preferred embodiment, the acquisition layer 46 may bejoined with the outer cover 32 by any of the conventional means forjoining webs together, most preferably by fusion bonds as is more fullydescribed in the above-referenced Cree application.

While the primary absorbent member 30 can be generally of anycross-sectional shape in its unstressed condition it is preferablygenerally circular or oval in cross-section. The length 40 and the width41 of the primary absorbent member 30 can be of any convenientdimension. The primary absorbent member 30, is preferably from about 2to 35 cm long, more preferably from about 10 to 35 cm long, and mostpreferably from about 20 to 35 cm long. A particularly preferred primaryabsorbent member 30 has a length of about 24 cm. The primary absorbentmember 30, is preferably from about 0.5 to 5 cm wide, more preferablyfrom about 0.5 to about 4 cm wide, and most preferably from about 0.5 toabout 3 cm wide.

It may be desirable to provide a compound sanitary napkin having aprimary absorbent member with varying degrees of width or caliperthroughout its length. For example, the primary absorbent member may berelatively thicker in the central region as opposed to the end regions.Alternatively, the primary absorbent member may be relatively thinner inthe central region as opposed to the end regions.

The second constituent of the compound sanitary napkin of the presentinvention is the secondary absorbent member 50. The secondary absorbentmember can be of generally rectangular shape. However, other suitableshapes include but are not limited to oval, hourglass, dog-bone,asymmetric and other shapes that are known in the art. Further, thesecondary absorbent member 50 of the present invention is preferablyrelatively thin and flexible. The secondary absorbent member 50preferably has a caliper of less than about 3.0 millimeters, morepreferably less than about 2.6 millimeters, even more preferably lessthan about 2.2 millimeters, and most preferably less than about 2.0millimeters.

The secondary absorbent member 50 preferably comprises an absorbentelement 56 and a liquid impervious backsheet 54 joined with theabsorbent element 56. As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent element 56 mayform the body contacting surface 87 of the secondary absorbent member50. In other preferred embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thesecondary absorbent member 50 comprises a liquid impervious backsheet54, a liquid pervious topsheet 52 joined with the backsheet 54 and anabsorbent element 56 positioned between the topsheet 52 and thebacksheet 54. In yet other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, thesecondary absorbent member 50 may comprise an acquisition layer 88 inaddition to or in place of the topsheet 52.

The topsheet 52 can be any fluid pervious material commonly used insanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and the like. The topsheet 52 canbe any of the materials described above as being useful in the outercover 32 of the primary absorbent member 30, including, but not limitedto apertured formed films.

The acquisition layer 88 of the secondary absorbent member 50 maycomprise any of the materials described above with regard to the primaryabsorbent member's 30 acquisition layer 46. In preferred embodiments,the secondary absorbent member 50 comprises an acquisition layer 88disposed between the topsheet 52 and the absorbent element 56 as shownin FIG. 6. However, embodiments are contemplated wherein the acquisitionlayer 88 replaces the topsheet 52, the absorbent element 56 or both. Insuch configurations, the acquisition layer 88 provides any absorptioncharacteristics desired in the secondary absorbent member 50.

The absorbent element 56 of the secondary absorbent member 50 primarilyfunctions to protect the user's garments from soiling by absorbed fluidswhich may be expelled from the primary absorbent member 30 or which mayinadvertently bypass the primary absorbent member 30. Thus, theabsorbent element 56 of the secondary absorbent member 50 generallyperforms a different function from that of the absorbent core 34 and ispreferably somewhat thinner and less bulky than the absorbent core 34.The absorbent element 56 may comprise any of the materials describedabove as being useful in the absorbent core 34 or the acquisition layers46 and 88. However, paper tissue (either single or multiple plies) isalso suitable for use in the absorbent element 56. In one preferredembodiment, the absorbent element 56 is formed of from about 1 to about5 plies of paper tissue.

Paper tissue comprising one or more plies having a basis weight of fromabout 24 to about 48 grams per square meter and an apparent density offrom about 0.10 to about 0.12 grams per cubic centimeter as made by theprocess described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746 issued to Sanford andSisson on Jan. 31, 1967 and which patent is hereby incorporated hereinby reference has been found to be quite satisfactory for use as theabsorbent element 56. Paper tissue made by the process described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,994,771 issued to Morgan et al. on Nov. 30, 1976, and whichpatent is hereby incorporated herein by reference, can also be used togood advantage as the absorbent element 56. Wet strength resins andlatex binders can be, and preferably are, used to provide additionalstrength to the paper tissue used in the absorbent element 56.

The backsheet 54 of the secondary absorbent member 50 is impervious toliquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured froma thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materialsmay also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers tomaterials which are compliant and will readily conform to the generalshape and contours of the human body. In use, the backsheet 54 isinterposed between the absorbent element 56 and the user'sundergarments. The function of the backsheet 54 is to prevent exudateswhich may be expelled from or which inadvertently bypass the primaryabsorbent element and exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbentelement 56 from contacting and soiling the user's undergarments. Thebacksheet 54 may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymericfilms such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, orcomposite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably,the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.015 mm (2.0 mil). Exemplary polyethylenefilms are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio underthe designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, ofTerre Haute, Ind., under the designation XP-39385. A particularlypreferred extensible backsheet is an extended adhesive film known asFormula #198-388 manufactured by the Findley Adhesives Company ofWauwatosa, Wis. The backsheet is preferably embossed and/or mattefinished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the backsheetmay permit vapors to escape from the absorbent element 56 (i.e.,breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through thebacksheet.

In preferred embodiments, the secondary absorbent member 50 is providedwith a support means or attachment means, such as adhesive attachmentmeans 58. The adhesive attachment means 58 provides a means for securingthe compound sanitary napkin 20 in the crotch portion of the user'sundergarment or panty. Thus, a portion or all of the outer or garmentsurface 55 of the backsheet 54 is coated with adhesive. In a preferredembodiment, at least a portion of the adhesive 58 is positioned on thegarment surface 55 of the backsheet 54 adjacent the longitudinal sideedges 21 of the secondary absorbent member 50. Any adhesive or glue usedin the art for such purposes can be used for the adhesive herein, withpressure-sensitive adhesives being preferred. Suitable adhesives areCentury A-305-IV manufactured by the Century Adhesives Corporation ofColumbus, Ohio; Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the National Starchand Chemical Company of Bridgewater, N.J.; Fuller HL2238 manufactured bythe H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn.; and Savare LA203manufactured by Savare I. C. of Milano Italy. Other suitable adhesivefasteners are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive is typically covered with a removablerelease liner 59 in order to keep the adhesive from drying out oradhering to a surface other than the crotch portion of the panty priorto use. (Embodiments are contemplated wherein the release liner isintegral with the package comprising the sanitary napkin and thus, isnot a separate liner that must be removed before use.) Suitable releaseliners are also described in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No.4,917,697. Any commercially available release liners commonly used forsuch purposes can be utilized herein. Non-limiting examples of suitablerelease liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/0 both ofwhich are manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, Wis. Thecompound sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is used by removingthe release liner 50 and thereafter placing the sanitary napkin in apanty so that the adhesive 58 contacts the panty. The adhesive 58maintains the sanitary napkin in its position within the panty duringuse.

The secondary absorbent member 50 may also have flaps which extendlaterally from the side edge of the absorbent core 34. A number ofsanitary napkins having flaps suitable or adaptable for use with thesecondary absorbent member 50 of the compound sanitary napkin 20 of thepresent invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 issued to VanTilburg on Aug. 18, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburgon May 20, 1986; and U.S. Pat No. 4,608,047 issued to Mattingly on Aug.26, 1986. Each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Optionally, the secondary absorbent member may comprise components thatnaturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties. A sanitary napkin havingcomponents that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties suitablefor use with the secondary absorbent member of the compound sanitarynapkin 20 of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/096,121, (P&G Case 4961) entitled "AbsorbentArticle having Panty Covering Components that Naturally Wrap the Sidesof Panties", filed Jul. 22, 1993, in the names of Lavash, et al and U.S.Pat. application Ser. No. 08/277,733 (P&G Case 5354) entitled "AbsorbentArticles Having Undergarment Covering Components with Zones ofExtensibility", filed Jul. 20, 1994, in the names of Weinberger, et al.The disclosures of the preceding publications are incorporated herein byreference.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the secondary absorbent member 50 preferablyhas a length 60 and a width 61. The secondary absorbent member 50 ispreferably from about 20 to 40 cm long, more preferably from about 25 to35 cm long, and most preferably is about 30 cm long. The secondaryabsorbent member 50 is preferably from about 5 to 15 cm in width, morepreferably from about 5 to 10 cm in width, and most preferably fromabout 5 to 8 cm in width. The thickness of the secondary absorbentmember 50, as shown in cross-section in FIGS. 2 and 3, is generallysomewhat less than its width.

The individual components of the primary absorbent member 30 and thesecondary absorbent member 50 may be comprised of components that areextensible (preferably, capable of stretching) particularly in thelongitudinal direction when the compound sanitary napkin is worn.Preferably, the compound sanitary napkin is capable of elongating in thelongitudinal direction between about 15% and about 40% of itsunstretched length. This extensibility provide better in-use fit,comfort, and decreased staining when the compound sanitary napkin isaffixed to the wearer's undergarments. Sanitary napkins havingextensible components are described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.07/915,133 and 07/915,284 both filed Jul. 23, 1992, in the name ofOsborn, et al. (PCT Publication Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, bothpublished Feb. 4, 1993). The disclosures of the preceding publicationsare incorporated herein by reference.

In one preferred embodiment the primary absorbent member 30 and thesecondary absorbent member 50 share a common length 65. The commonlength, refers to the length that the primary absorbent member 30 andthe secondary absorbent member 50 have in common. However, it is quitepossible for the secondary absorbent member to be somewhat longer thanthe primary absorbent member and still function effectively.

Preferably, the width of the secondary absorbent member 50 is at least1.5 times the width of the primary absorbent member 30. More preferably,the width of the secondary absorbent member 50 is at least 2 times thewidth of said primary absorbent member 30. Most preferably, the width ofthe secondary absorbent member 50 is in the range from about 3 to about8 times the width of the primary absorbent member 30.

To form the compound sanitary napkin of the present invention, theprimary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member arejoined by union means generally indicated as 70 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Theprecise nature of the union means is immaterial so long as the unionmeans selected serves to join the primary absorbent member 30 and thesecondary absorbent member 50 into the compound sanitary napkin 20 ofthe present invention with sufficient tenacity that the primaryabsorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbent member 50 are notdisconnected during use. Union means such as adhesive attachment withwell known hot melt and pressure sensitive adhesives are quitesatisfactory. If the nature of the components selected to construct theconstituents of the compound sanitary napkin 20 so permit, crimping,heat welding, ultrasonic welding, dynamic mechanical bonds or acombination of any of the above-mentioned means can be used. Further,the individual members of the sanitary napkin 20 may be joinedcontinuously or intermittently depending on the desired characteristicsof the product. (As used herein, the term "continuously" meanssubstantially unbroken or uninterrupted. The term "intermittent" refersto union means that are not continuous.)

Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that outer cover 32 completelywraps the absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbent member 30. (As usedherein, the term "wraps" or "wrapped" means completely encircles theabsorbent core.) The outer cover 32 is shown in FIG. 3 to have a seam 85adjacent the secondary absorbent member 50. Although such aconfiguration is advantageous to keep the seam 85 away from any bodycontact, the figure is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.Other suitable embodiments are contemplated wherein the seam 85 isdisposed in any location about the absorbent core. Further, any numberof seams, folds, pleats or bonds in the outer cover 32 are acceptable solong as the primary absorbent member 30 is able to function to absorband contain bodily fluids while being comfortable to wear. The outercover 32 of the primary absorbent member 30 is shown in FIG. 3 to be aseparate and distinct element from the topsheet 52 of the secondaryabsorbent member 50. In such embodiments, the outer cover 32 ispreferably joined to the topsheet 52 of the secondary absorbent member50 by union means 70.

As noted above, the primary absorbent member 30 has a centerline 200dividing the member into an upper portion 202 and a lower portion 204.The outer cover 32 comprises a liquid pervious first segment 206disposed in at least the upper portion 202. The outer cover furthercomprises at least one second segment 208 disposed in the lower portion204. At least a portion of the second segment(s) 208 is liquidimpervious. This is intended to prevent any liquid absorbed but notretained by the core 34 from soiling the wearer's undergarments. Anyliquid that is not absorbed by the core 34 because it runs off thesurface of the primary absorbent member 30 will be absorbed by thesecondary absorbent member 50.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer cover 32 does notcompletely encircle the absorbent core 34 of the primary absorbentmember 30. Rather, the second segments 208 of the outer cover 32terminate apart from each other. In such embodiments, the outer cover 32preferably substantially encircles the absorbent core 34. (As usedherein, the term "substantially encircle" means that the outer coveroverlays more than half of the absorbent core, and more preferably mostof the absorbent core.) As described above, at least a portion of thesecond segment(s) 208 should be liquid impervious. In preferredembodiments, the liquid impervious portions of the second segments 208are juxtaposed the topsheet 52 or absorbent element 56 of the secondaryabsorbent member 50. Because the outer cover 32 does not completelyencircle the absorbent core 34, a channel 80 is formed. The channel 80provides a means for any liquid not retained by the primary absorbentmember 30 to be deposited onto the topsheet 52, the absorbent element 56or any other element of the secondary absorbent member 50 such that itmay be absorbed and contained therein. (An alternative embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a channel 80 is shown in FIG. 5.)

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer cover 32 of the primaryabsorbent member 30 and the topsheet 52 of the secondary absorbentmember 50 may comprise a single web of material, such as web 100. Insuch embodiments web 100 substantially encircles the absorbent core 34of the primary absorbent member 30 and extends outwardly therefrom tocover at least a portion of the secondary absorbent member 50. In suchembodiments, the web 100 must comprise areas that are liquid pervious aswell as areas that are liquid impervious. The web 100 must be liquidimpervious in at least a part of the lower portion 204 while it must beliquid pervious in at least a part of the upper portion 202. Inpreferred embodiments, the web 100 is also liquid pervious where it actsas the topsheet 52 of the secondary absorbent member 50. Suitablematerials for use as the web 100 are described above with regard to theouter cover 32 of the primary absorbent member and the topsheet 52 ofthe secondary absorbent member 50.

Although the web 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, may cover the entirebody facing surface of the second absorbent member 50, it need not doso. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the exact configuration of theweb 1 00 may vary so long as it substantially encircles the absorbentcore 34 of the primary absorbent member 30. Thus, the web 100 maycompletely wrap the core 34, as shown in FIG. 6, or may form the channel80, as shown in FIG. 5.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 the web 100 serves as a union meansconnecting the primary absorbent member 30 and the secondary absorbentmember together. The compound sanitary napkin may also includeadditional union means to connect the primary absorbent member 30 to thesecondary absorbent member. Suitable additional union means include butare not limited to adhesives and fusion bonds.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound sanitary napkin comprising:a primaryabsorbent member including an absorbent core and an outer cover whichsubstantially encircles said absorbent core, said outer cover comprisinga film having apertured regions and unapertured regions, said aperturedregions being liquid pervious and said unapertured regions being liquidimpervious; and a secondary absorbent member joined with said primaryabsorbent member, said secondary absorbent member including a liquidimpervious backsheet and an absorbent element joined to said backsheet.